Introduction

If there’s one company ahead of the game when it comes to smartwatches, it has to be none other than Samsung. They’ve already introduced and released the 2nd generation line of smartwatches this year already - the Tizen powered Gear line, which was an unexpected change of scenery because the first-generation Galaxy Gear smartwatch was Android-based. Well folks, the Samsung Gear Live is aiming to shine some light onto Google’s new Android Wear platform.

For Samsung, they’re no strangers in this new consumer technology segment, but rather, it’s going to be Google who will face stiff criticism, or adorned with copious adulation, from hungry consumers looking for the perfect smartwatch platform. We’re curious to see how the new Gear Live smartwatch can one-up the impending wave of Google Wear smartwatches we’ll begin to see saturate the market.

The package contains:

microUSB wall charger

proprietary charging cradle

Quick reference manual

Health & safety and warranty guide

Design

Using the same recipe, the Samsung Gear Live lives up to being a sophisticated looking timepiece.

Upon looking at the Samsung Gear Live for the first time, there’s no arguing that Samsung doesn’t stray from the recipe it has when it comes down to designing smartwatches. In fact, the Gear Live looks eerily similar to the Gear 2. From its overall shape, choice of materials, and comfort, it mirrors exactly Samsung’s previous effort. Of course, it’s not a bad thing per se, as the watch boasts a moderate level of sophistication – one that elevates its charm well over the other Android Wear smartwatch, the LG G Watch.

Adorned with the same stainless steel metallic frame as its cousin, the Gear Live’s design is both premium and sophisticated. Unlike the somewhat toyish design of its rival in the LG G Watch, Sammy’s effort radiates with authority thanks to its sophistication – one that makes us want to actually wear a smartwatch in the first place. From the front, it looks squarish in nature, but the subtle curves around the base helps to break it up. Better yet, it feels very comfortable to wear, thanks in part to how it contours perfectly to our wrist when it’s worn.

As for the band itself, Samsung ditches the adjustable clasp we’ve been seeing of late, but instead, goes for a simpler snap-on one – similar to the band on the Gear Fit. Frankly speaking, this change doesn’t compromise its premium design in any way, as it can be removed quickly and easily in favor of the many third-party wrist straps that are currently available to the Gear 2. The one included with the Gear Live sports a matte finish, which is a fitting match to the watch’s elegant design.

In making for a minimalist design, Samsung places only a single button on the right side of the Gear Live – where the small notch for the microphone also sits nearby. Essentially, its sole function is to “turn on” the display, which is none other than waking it up from its “dimmed” status. Rounding things out, the underside of the Gear Live features the same heart rate sensor, and gold colored pins used to charge the watch with the included snap-on proprietary charging cradle. Unfortunately, the microUSB port has yet to be somehow incorporated into the body of the watch.

Worth mentioning, too, is that the Samsung Gear Live is IP67 certified to be dust and water resistant – so there’s no concern if you happen to wash your hands or shower with it on. One less thing to worry about, right? All in all, the design isn’t original to say the least, more so when it follows exactly to what we already have with the Gear 2, but despite that, it’s significantly better looking than the LG G Watch. Although it’s more likely to attract buyers with its design, the Moto 360 is looking to steal some of its thunder down the road – albeit, Samsung has it for the near term.

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Display

Sharp, vivid, and iridescent, the 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display is a highlighting element of the watch.

Not surprisingly, the Samsung Gear Live is packing a 1.63-inch 320 x 320 Super AMOLED display, just like the Gear 2. Ultimately, there’s nothing really new here in this department – it has an overall sharp and detailed look. In the dark, it emits an iridescent glow that makes it come to life for all to see and drool over. Pairing that with its saturated color reproduction, it’s the right combination to draw bystanders into its mesmerizing glow.

However, it’s still prone to being almost unviewable when we’re looking at it in direct sunlight. Sure, pumping its brightness to the max helps to make it visible in the shade outside, but it’s still something that requires us to cover just to make out details in the display. Aside from that, it’s pretty responsive to various touches and gestures. At the end of the day, the display has the looks to match its stunning design, but there’s no overcoming its shortcomings outdoors.

The LG G watch has a 400mha battery. The Gear Live has a 300mha battery. To sum it up the Gear Live can get away with a lower battery because of the AMOLED display. IPS displays turn on the entire display where as AMOLED displays only turn on the pixels that are needed, thus saving more energy. That's why you cannot beat blacks on AMOLED displays.

why didn't you just wrote about battery time on first page, you would save me 10 minuts of my time that i wasted on reading irrelevant crap...
this "item" will be interesant when it will work at least a month on one battery charge

Phone Arena's battery section is always on the last page. Maybe just skim the article until you find the big bold "Battery" header instead of wasting your time on "irrelevant crap [that many people might actually find very informative]" next time.

Just one day of normal usage? That's embarrassing! It means that over your smartphone and tablet you would have even another device that has to be charged daily (and in this case it's particularly ridiculous 'cause they call it "watch")

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